Butler Finally Steps on Field of Dreams

The Dodger uniform has been dangling in a barren locker for the last four months, providing memories and inspiration of the man who wore it, but Tuesday for the first time it was taken off the hanger.

Brett Butler gently took the uniform, held it high in the air, admired it as if he were looking at a newborn baby, slipped it over his body, and savored every moment while buttoning it. He put on the uniform pants, put on the stirrups and baseball cleats, and proudly walked to the Dodger bench at Olympic Stadium.

Butler did no more than sit on the bench, cheer, coach, coax, comfort, cajole and counsel Tuesday night, but the Dodgers will tell you that he was as responsible as anyone for their 5-1 victory over the Montreal Expos at Olympic Stadium.

It was only fitting that Butler was present for the victory that enabled the Dodgers [71-60] to move a season-high 11 games above .500 and into first place for the first time in the wild card race--one-half game ahead of the Expos. The Dodgers, who have won five in a row and 12 of their last 16, remain one game behind the San Diego Padres in the National League West.

Starter Hideo Nomo (13-10) shut down the Expos, yielding only six hits and one run in seven innings. Shortstop Greg Gagne hit a two-run homer, right fielder Raul Mondesi hit a two-out, two-run double, and left fielder Billy Ashley hit a sacrifice fly, providing all of the necessary offense. Catcher Mike Piazza threw out two baserunners, thwarting two rallies.

Yet it was Butler who provided all of the heart and inspiration. It might be another 10 days before Butler plays in his first game since May 1, but his spirit alone is carrying them to dizzying heights.

“What he brings to this team is immeasurable,” said first baseman Eric Karros, who drew a career-high four walks in the game. “If anybody around here is feeling tired, can’t wait to the off-season, has a sore shoulder, or his knees are bothering him, all you’ve got to do is look at Brett. This is a guy who has real problems.

“Everybody talks about the dog days this time of year, but hey, you’ve got to remember what you’re playing for. If you need to rise up, all you’ve got to do is look at Brett, or [third baseman] Wallach, who’s playing with broken ribs.

“You feel sorry for yourself or want to make excuses? Go ahead and look at Brett, and then see if you still feel sorry for yourself.”

Butler, who coached the outfield defense during the game, was back to his usual self. He talked strategy and pitch selection with the hitters. He yelled out encouragement.

“It felt so good to be back,” said Butler, “that I told them that I’m thinking about going home and sleeping in my uniform. I don’t know if guys are looking at me for inspiration or not, I’m just looking to help. It was great to be a part of it again.”

Butler stunned his teammates and coaching staff Tuesday afternoon in his first workout with them after two cancer surgeries, six weeks of radiation and three weeks of therapy.

“It’s hard to believe it was the same person we saw a month ago,” Manager Bill Russell said. “He looked like a raw piece of meat. He was skin and bones, weak and hurting, and his neck was on fire.”

Butler walked onto the field 5 1/2 hours before game-time and looked like the same ol’ Brett Butler. He sprayed the ball to all fields during two lengthy rounds of batting practice. He ran the bases, sprinted in the outfield, visited with all of his teammates and held a press conference.

And still had plenty of energy.

“I still can’t believe it,” said Dodger hitting coach Reggie Smith. “It totally shocked me. I’ve never been more impressed. I mean, I think he’s swinging the bat even better than before.

“I hate to admit this, but my expectations were low. There was a certain amount of pitch, and I just didn’t want to be disappointed. You don’t like to see an athlete go out like that.

“Brett still needs to get his timing back, and regain his stamina, but he has cleared one major, major hurdle.”

Butler, who not only has regained all of his strength but his muscle tone, said he feels as if he’s in the middle of spring training. He needs a little more time, he said, and sees no reason why he won’t be ready to play by Sept. 6 when the Dodgers open their homestand.

“When he is introduced, and walks to the plate at Dodger Stadium,” said Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, “it will be one of the most dramatic moments that has ever taken place. I wouldn’t even know what to relate it to in sports history, or a dramatic moment in the history of the Dodgers.”

Butler realizes this is the most difficult accomplishment he ever has attempted in his life. Yet, he so badly wants to prove that cancer can indeed be beaten. And, if this indeed is his final season in baseball, reaching the World Series would be the ultimate encore.

“The fiber of my being is to prove people wrong,” Butler said. “I’ve always risen above adversity. Hopefully, I’ll do the same thing here.”